READING IS FUNDAMENTAL IN JEOPARDY

Reading Is Fundamental is in jeopardy of losing its federal funding, as it is not included in the current FY09 federal budget.

If you would like to do something about continuing the program, log on to www.RIF.org or http://capwiz.com/rif/mailapp/ and let the country know children need these books.

The proposed budget eliminates the Inexpensive Book Distribution program, which is managed by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). It is authorized under the Elementary & Secondary Education Act, SEC.5451 Inexpensive Book Distribution program for Reading Motivation and is not funded through earmarks. It has been funded by Congress and six Administrations without interuption since 1975.

Unless Congress reinstates funding for this program, RIF will be unable to distribute 16 million books annually to the nation's youngest and most at-risk children. This would be devastating to children here in Rockland and to the other 4.6 million chidren and their families who receive free books and reading encouragement via RIF programs at nearly 20,000 locations throughout the United States.

Head Start of Rockland programs in Haverstraw, Nyack, and Spring Valley serve approximately 411 low income children and their families. Through the RIF program, we have been able to give each child three books. The program brings families into the classroom for RIF events to share the joy of reading and learning with their children. It is an integral part of the education program.